^y 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


/ 


f/j 


/. 


1.0         Ks  »    I 


I.I 


2.5 


!^l 


2.2 

1.8 


-    6" 


II-25  11.4  11.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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™>-— '"'""'W^/'*S'*^^B!§4!5*t?3r-S5!??JW' 


4r 


d> 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductlons  /  Instltut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
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L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


D 


D 


D 


Couverture  endommagde 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur6e  et/ou  pelliculde 


Tl    Cover  title  missing/ 
'  )dj    Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

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Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


rrrr   Bound  with  other  material/ 
12^    Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 


D 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrde  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout6es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film6es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl6mentaires: 


D 
D 
D 

D 
D 
D 
D 
D 

n 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pelliculdes 

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Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


x 


12X 


(.".iV*'i+l.'tt**'^"t-rV> 


16X 


.■■V,«,;.k;^li>f*-rt(S.i«S'l*-5SSKi»»^.'. 


20X 


24X 


'- -• -"^^^^j^^-' 


28X 


32X 


f^sataw**^' 


i 


ire 

details 
jes  du 
modifier 
)er  une 
filmage 


/ 
j6es 


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to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
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Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


aire 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film^s  en  commengant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  y  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
film^s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


■■■t: 


by  errata 
ned  to 

lent 

une  pelure, 

fapon  d 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

l[^feB*!i^SsM;!&»R«*^  >;:;i<J*ife^i^-  ■ 


•'*' 


n-t^^f  -«*•« 


^^'/^oi.^-^ 


APPENDIX 

T  O    T  H  E  .        ^, 

xbksiDERATIONS 

.,.    ■■^-  ■  ■     "^V  ^ 

O    N      T    H    B  , 

meAsIjres  carrying  on 

WITH    R  ISPECT    TO   T  H  B 

BRITISH    COLONIES 
NORTH     AM  E  R  t  C  A.? 


1 


^1 


PHILADELl>HIA. 

RfPliiNT.D  and  Sold  by  BENJAMIN  TOWNE, 

near  the  Coffse-How»s,    MjDcCjLxxv. 


*«-' 


.^t«jitei-- 


\  , 


N    " 


A 


I 


A 


a 


1 

fever 
opin 
fequ( 
laid 
ed,  t 
llrati 
of  t? 
Uoftc 
comr 
who 
diem 
their 
prcb; 

tJLlcH 

and  1 
be  re 
depei 
and  I 
expei 
vvoul 
taxed 
and  ; 
ance 
no  t\ 
W 
tend( 
!o  ve 
peopi 


(i>^Y 


I 


APPENDIX, 


TO    THE 

CONSIDERATIONS,  &c. 


TH  E  foregoing  flieets  were  f.rft  publiflied  in  April, 
1774,  and  we  are  now  in  the  next  November  ;  tima 
and  events  have,  in  the  fliort  intervening  fpace  iii' 
feven  months,  but  too  plainly  an  J  too  ihongly  confirmed  the 
opinions  refpedting  our  American  mcafures,  and  their  con- 
fequences,  which  were  then  prefumed  by  the  autl^or  to  be 
laid  before  the  public.  It  is  'n  the  preceding  pages  explain- 
ed, that  the  plan  propofcd,  and  conliJed  in  by  the  Admini  • 
llration  on  that  occallon,  appeared  to  be,  that  the  removal 
of  the  cuftom-hnufe,  and  the  fufpenficn  of  the  commerce  of 
Uofton,  would  foon  bring  on  their  knees,  an^fubjcift  to  our 
commands,  the  inhabifints  of  that  town  and  of  its  colony  ; 
who  were  by  that  means  to  become,  befidcs  their  own  obe- 
dience, an  example  likewife  and  a  terror  to  the  reft  of 
their  brethren  on  that  continent  ;  but  the  policy  and  the 
probability  of  this  fine  fpun  fcheme  arc  there  doubted  of, 
ULicilioned  anddifcufll'd.  it  is  reprefented,  that  the  harlli 
and  violent  meafures  then  carrying  on,  would  in  America 
be  received  no  oiherwife  than  as  a  declaration  of  w  ,  and 
depend  upon  the  fame  iil'ue  ;  that  it  could  only  be  Ly  force 
and  by  conqueft,  if  they  were  fubmitted  to  ;  that  v.e  mull 
e.vpedl  to  have  to  do  with  an  union  of  that  continent  ;  that  it 
would  among  them  be  made  a  common  caufe  not  to  be 
taxed  by  us,  and  that  they  would  certainly  join,  combine 
and  aflbciate  together  fur  their  general  and  mutual  aflill- 
ance  and  defence.  Is  there  any  occafion  to  fay  whether  or 
no  thefe  things  have  proved  true  ? 

We  were  at  the  fame  time  warned,  that  ^f  it  was  in- 
tended to  ufe  force  and  violence,  tlie  dcciiion  might  not  be 
fo  very  foon  or  fo  \  ery  fure  ;  that  thefe  being  a  truly  free 
people,  and  tlieir  government  demccratical,   they  would  be 

able 


•«nffi/- 


L    4    ] 

ftble  to  arm  every  man  in  their  country ;  that  necefllty  wouU, 
bcfides  their  Committees  of  Correfpondence  then  fubfilhng, 
teach  them  other  means  of  moving  and  of  aaing  together  ; 
that  they  would  probably  have  at  their  head  fome  of  tha 
wiu-a  and  of  the  abhll  men  of  their  country  ;  that  the  in- 
fluence of  our  Governors,  and   of  our   other   civil  officers 
would  ihrink  to  nothing,  nor  our  own  authority  probably 
extend  farther  than  where    it  was  enforced  by   our  own 
troops;  that  our  very  foldiery  would  defir.-  and  endeavour 
to  leave  l^,  and  to  go  over  to  the  Americans.     Has  one 
v/ord  of  all  thi:.  fallen  to  the  grpund.  or  is  there  almoft  a 
fjnglc  fcntencc  of  it  which  is  na^  now  become  a  matter  of 

fait?  .         ,.        •         /r 

It  was  farther  fet  forth,  that  no  immediate  improflions 
upon  the  town  of  Buflon,  or  poileffion  taken  ot  it  by  a 
fleet  or  an  army  would  carry  the  command  of  all  that  con- 
tinent, or  force  them  to  fubmit  to  meafurss  fo  univerfally 
againft  their  bent  and  inclinations,  but  that  on  the  contra- 
ry, the  mofl   ftrenuous  and  moft  vigorous  exertions  were 
from  that  whole  people  to  be  expefted   in  fupport  of  their 
common  liberties  and  properties.     May  I  call  on    our  Mi- 
jiifters,  and  demand  whether  they  are  not  themklves  len- 
fible  by  this  time  of  all  thefe  things?         ,         ^         ,      , 
I  will  pafi  fey  other  particulars  of  '.he   fame  fort,  that  I 
may  not  tire  mv  reader  with  the  repeiition  of  them.     How- 
ever  I  hope,  thiit  the  prefumption  will  be  pardoned,  fliould 
It  be  alked.  Whether  there  is  any  one  event  as  yet  come 
on,  in  the  order  of  time  and  the  courfe  of  things,  which 
has  contradidled  or  happened  otherwife  than  what  was  before 
■pointed  out  ?  This  gives  a  great  prejudice  and  lufpicion 
wi'h  refpea  to  the  farther  train  remaining  yet  to  follow. 
However  there  is  behind,  and  among  the  things  in  fufpcncL 
one  particular  circumftance  of  fuch  a  magnitude,  that  all 
thefe  other  incidents  are,  in  companion  ot  it,  but  as  the 
duft  upon  the  balance.     I  mean,  that  Ihould,  by  tlu-fe  mca- 
fures,  cither  the  public  cxpences  incrcaf?,  or  income  de- 
creafe,  or  both  together,  fo  that  the  national  revenue  (hall 
fail    and  we  be  rendered  unable  to  proceed  in   paying  the 
•whole  intereff  of  onr  debt,  then  will,  in  all  appearance,  be 
no  lonaer  delayed  the  day  and  the  hour  ot  our  dellruition, 
but  that  conjuniiure  prove  the  lalel^  and  the  uttermoil  term 
of  our  peace,  our  p-.ofperity  and  our  flability,  as  a  ilate 
and  a  nation.     This  point  is  much  I'reflcd  in   the   termer 
fleets  i  hON\  ever  Heaven  avert,  that  l.Uc  ilwuld  lu  the  Uuc 


^««*    -■-•»■  '»#t-*t- 


t  neCeflitywouU, 
e  then  fubfilUng, 
afting  togtthcr  ; 
ead  fome  of  tha 
try  ;  that  the  in- 
her   civil  ofticers 
ithority  probably 
ced  by   our  own 
:d  and  endeavour 
ricans.     Has  owe 
is  there   aimoft  a 
come  a  matter  of 

ediate  improflions 
taki-n  ot  it  by  a 
id  of  all  that  con- 
irss  fo  univerfally 
bat  on  the  contra- 
)us  exertions  were 
1  fupport  of  their 
[  call  on  our  Mi- 
ot  themfclvcs  fen- 

1   fame  fort,  that  I 
in  of  them.     How- 
ie pardoned,  ftiould 
:vent  as  yet  come 
:  of  things,  which 
lan  what  was  before 
idice  and  fufpicion 
ing  yet  to  follow. 
:  things  in  fufpcncL, 
magnitude,  that  all 
1  of  it,  but  as  the 
ould,  by  thcfc  mca- 
af?,  or  income  de- 
itional  revenue  (hall 
cccd  in  paying  the 
n  all  appearance,  be 
r  of  our  dellrudion, 
sdthe  uttermoft  term 
flability,  as  a  Hate 
eflcd  in   the   former 
ic  Hwuld  iu  the  due 
order 


f    5    1 

order  of  things,  and  at  fome  perliip?  not  very  dliiint  mo. 
jnent  of  time,  dcmonllr.ito  it  to  h.'  as  well  i>r:)uiijud,  as 
have  already  been  found  fo  innny  other  c;'4Utif)ii>  and  warn- 
ings b'jfore  given!  But  if  we  iov'v  the  feeds,  it  may  be  de- 
E ended  on  that  the  fruits  will  follow;  caufes  and  cfiects 
eep  their  courfe  like  day  and  night ;  events  appear  to  bo 
preparing  and  bringing  on  tliat  pcrioJ ;  men  and  thing-, 
<:ounfels  and  aitions,  li<rns  and  appearances  fcem  to  tend 
to  that  catallrophe.  However  the  writer  prefumcs  to  offer 
ohce  more  to  tlie  public  the  mite  of  his  fentiments  upon  the 
ftate  of  our  affairs  in  America,  as  it  Hands  now  altered 
fince  the  date  of  the  preceding  pages;  while  we  have  yet 
allotted  a  time  to  do  it,  while  there  is  room  fur  rededion, 
and  that  any  thing  remains  more  for  Britoni  than  only  to 
relate  the  ftory  of  their  ruin. 

This  attack  upgn  that  continent  appeared  to  many  peo- 
ple mod  unreafonable  and  moft  unpromi'ing  from  the  very 
beginning;  futurity  has  neverthelefs  before  it  a  conllar.t 
cloud  and  obfcarity,  which  no  human  eye  can  perfeftly  pe- 
netrate ;  raflinefs  and  inconfideratenefs  do  fometimes  make 
this  more  of  a  pretence  than  the  cafe  will  well  warrant; 
but  however  doubtful  the  matter  might  then  be  or  not, 
time  has  now  opened  events,  and  fadt  and  certainty  have 
in  many  refpefts  taken  place  on  the  fubjeil.  Ic  is  clear 
and  fure,  that  the  propofed  plan  and  projeft  have  failed 
and  milcarried.  We  fent  out,  at  firll,  forces  lit  for  our  in- 
tended deu^r'n  '''e  common  language  ufed  in  commendation 
of  the  meafure  w  is,  that  a  few  regiments  and  a  few  fmill 
Ihips  of  war  wouid  do  the  bufinefs.  But  we  are  now  call- 
ing and  gathering  together  an  army  from  all  quarters,  from 
England,  from  Ireland,  from  feveral  different  parts  of 
America,  and  even  our  newly  cwiiquered  province  of  Que- 
))ec  is  to  be  unguarded  and  unfurniiTijd,  that  we  may  be 
enabled  to  carry  on  a  war  againft  our  ancient  coloniej, 
;ind  our  own  countrymen.  Wc  have  inlleadof  command- 
ing and  cf  bringing  to  taxatioa  and  to  fubjeclion  all 
America,  by  the  means  of  the  town  of  Bollon,  loll  the  reft 
cf  that  continent,  and  not  gained  the  town.  We  have 
v.'ith  our  own  hands,  and  by  our  own  counfels,  got  things 
into  fuch  a  llate;  that  our  colonies  obey  their  Governors 
110  farther  than  they  pleafe ;  and  that  tliey  ari  uuanimoafly 
and  publicly  preparing  to  oppofe  meafure  to  meafure,  cr 
force  to  force,  as  they  iluill  upon  the  event  judge  moft  ne- 
ceflary;  while  that  bkocjue  of  New-England  looks  us  in 

th» 


[  6  ] 

the  face  upon  an  equality,  and  holds  up  in  head  ai  highly 
as  we  do  ourfelves.     Maticr.  arc  to  times  more  cmbroiIe4 
than  they  were  ;  wear  ten  times  a  worfc  and  a  more  thrcat- 
ninir  afpcft  than  they  did  ll-ven  months  ago,  and   be  ora 
that  we  entered  on  thefe  meafurc.    every  Hep  taken  tor. 
wards,  in  our  prefent  track,  leems  only  to  lead  us  into  tar. 
thcr  mifchief  and  difficulties.    Our  adminiftration  u.   in  the 
mean  lime,  become  the  wonder  and  the  contempt  of  all 
r  urope.     When  we  find  therefore,  that  we  are  K^ng  on  m 
a  road  dircdUy  wrong,  why  don't  we  talce  a  contrary  courfc  f 
This  appears  to  he  a  moll  obvious  llcp;  there  is  no  uncom- 
mon  reach  of  reafon,  or  extraordinary  depth  of  human  wif- 
dom  demanded,  to  make  that  conduiion.     It  is  an    Id  pro- 
verb ;  that  wife  men  do  often,  but  fools  never  change  their 
opinion.     No  one  little  or  great  need  fcruple  to  alter  for 
the  better  his  attions  or  his  meafures ;  U  is  lurely  his  firll 
praife   and  firll  prudence   fo  to  do.     But  ^^  hat  mull  be 
fhouRht  of  thofe,  whom  facls  and  events  themfelves  will 
not  convince;  or,  who  being  convinced,  are  neverthecs 
determined  to  drive  and  to  contend  againft   the  irref.lhl.le 
force  of  them  ?  Oar  political  pilots  have  a  fair  and  a  direft 
Nvind  for  the  port,  to  which  the  commonwealth  is  bound  ; 
but  they  are  obftinatcly  bent  to  run  counter  to  it,  to  butfet 
ftorms  and  tempefts,  to  rifquc  rocks  and  quickfands  and  to 
endanger  in  the  greateft  degree  the  common  adventure  an. 
fortunes  of  us  alK     We  read  a  fabulous  ftory  o»  an  ancien 
Roman  faiito  have  leaped  into  a  g^lp^  to  fave  Rorne  i  but 
what  will  pofterity  believe,  when  they  thall  be  told  of  the 
men  of  thefe  times,  who  run  headlong  down  a  precipice  for 
no  apparent  end,  biit  to  carry  along  with  them  their  cum- 

try  into  the  fame  ruin  ?  _  i     a  r  r.: 

The  original  dcfign  and  expedation  were  at  leaft  fufn- 
ciently  plain  and  intelligible  ;  but  the  ad-ninidration  having 
been  deceived  in  them,  there  is  now  no  longer  left  the  leall 
appearance  of  prudence  or  of  policy  in  our  proceedings.    It 
i,  become  difficult  to  comprehend,  what  the  authors  or  the 
friends  of  thefe  meafures  purfue  even  in  their  own  brcaih. 
Let  any  one  within  the  bounds  of  probability  or  almoll  of 
poflibility  fancy  in  his  mind,  events  at  pleafure,  and  let  him 
Kfleft  by  what  fteps,  what  means,  what  chain  of  incidents 
and  accidents,  what  train  within  the  wit  ct  man  to  trace   it 
can  be  expec'ted,  that  we  (liall  in  this  violent  and  mili.ury 

method  of  going  on  come  to  a  good  ^"^/■"'^"'"g^";. '°"f 
clulion,  and  I  believe,  that  he  wuUvidenily  hnd  hi.nfelf 


[    7    ] 


;  cnibroilfii 
uorc  thriMt- 

and   bcforo 

taken  f"r- 

us  into  far- 
)n  is,  in  the 
cmpt  of  all 
("line:  on  in 
rary  courle? 
b  DO  uncom- 

human  wif- 

an  Id  pro- 
change  their 

to  alter  for 
rely  his  firtl 
hat  mail  be 
emfelvcs  will 

neverihclcrs 
he  irrefilHlile 

and  a  direft 
th  is  bound  ; 

it,  to  buffet 
fands  and  to 
dventure  and 
of  an  ancient 
e  Rome ;  but 
je  told  of  the 

precipice  for 
n  their  cmin- 

at  leaft  fufn- 
l ration  having 
r  left  the  leall 
Dcccdings.    It 
luthors  or  the 
'  own  brtails. 
■  or  alaioll  of 
e,  and  let  him 
in  of  incidents 
lan  to  trace,  it 
and  miliiary 
intageous  con  • 
y  find  himfilf 


at  a  default  on  the  fubjcfl.     I  am  perfuaded,  that  our  rulfrj 
would  thenirclvts  be  put  to  it,  to  lay  down  fairly  and  clearly 
their  Cwn  pl.m,  nor  m  2ny  fuch  commonly  known  and  un- 
derflood.     I'he  lach  arc  public,  the  other  wi.uld,  no  doubt 
not  be  diiikult  to  tind,  if  reafon,  appcarancts,  and  proba- 
bility fu^^qclleJ  or  admitted  of  any  fuch.     The  chaplains 
of  our  rej;iuients  ar«f  not  t  >  chip  loijick  with  the  Americans, 
and  to  rtafTn   t!;cm  int )  the  ueinj>  taxed  at   VV'ellminller : 
That  is  not  the  intention,  ntir  will  hard  word,  bring   this 
aibout,  from  whcnctfocvcr  trumpetk.'d — No:  We  will  force 
them   to  it — IJe   it   fo.     Let  us,  without  cjnfideriny  the 
chance  of  war  «r  refillance,  fuppole  Hollon  in  alhes,  no 
one  lb  nc  of  it   (landing  on  another,  the  inhabitants,   men, 
women  and  children   buried  under  its   ruins,  and  all  this 
havock  and  dellrudion  the  ellcLl  of  our  cann.jn,  bombs  and 
liiortr.rj,     Thi;.  would  no  doubt  be  a  noble  event ;   Kurop.; 
would  tlare,  and  it  would  excced;n;;ly  redound  to  the  honor 
and  the  glory  of  the  gov  crnmcnt   that   Ihould  atchieve  it. 
However,  let  us  come  to  the  confequenccs;  the  mifchief  and 
the  evil  are  ealily  found,  rage  and  delpair  reigning  every 
where,  all  our  colonies  cryinj;  out  for  vengeance,  America 
in  arms,  and  in  open  and  avowed  revolt  a^ainll  Great  Bri- 
tain ;  thefe  things  need  not  to  be  pointed  out.    L'ut  how  are 
butchery  and  malfacrc  to  conduit  us  to  peace,  to  a  fettle 
inent,  to  a  relloration  of  union  and  of  harmony,  or  to  any 
dciireable  end  whatfoever .'  All   regard  for   the  Americ.ins 
being  baniHied  out  of  th«  queilion,  cither  as  brethren  or  as 
men,    it  can  ncvcrthelefs  not  be  pretended,  that  we  ought 
likewife  to  lofc  fight  of  the  true  interell  and  the  benefit  of 
our  more  immediate  country  of  Great  Britain,  nor  are  we 
furely  to  fjel;  for  any  other  views  or  motives  of  our  public 
ciunfels  on  the  occafion,  than  thofe,     (jod  forbid,  that 
there  Ihould  inllead  prevail  paiiion,  refentment,  an  impa- 
tience of  oppoliiion  and  of  difappointment,  a  thirll  for  re- 
\cnge  and  for  the  blood  of  the  people  of  BoHon  and  of 
New-England  :  Heaven  avert,  that  there  ihould  direclly  or 
iiulirtiStly,  more  ntarlyormorc  remotely,  be  at  this  moment 
preparing  or  meditating  any  del'perate  flrokc,  which  may 
di.-j.jin  America  and  Great  Britain  in  a  manner  to  be  never 
united  more  !   I  will  not  deny,  but  that  the  queftion  refpeit- 
ing  the  plan  of  our  condiiit  may  with  lefs  dixiculty  he  ex- 
plained, ifibme   fach   unt-.t  {'rinciples  and  coiifideratioru 
are  to  be  taken  iniu  th?  account, 

But 


....^.J' 


r  - 


L    8    ] 

But  fome  one  may  fay,    What  a  Rnnze  tra(»fJy  knt 
image  have-  Knv  heed  iiuniducni  r  W  hothmkj  ot  .  ny  luth 
tiling  ?  Wc  w(.ulil  not  fur  llu-  worl.l  l.c  tlw  .v';•rl■l^')r^  j  but 
if  the  people  of  Uollon  or  ot  New  r.n-.laiul  Ih.iU  b-vnn  lull, 
and  lli.ill  attack  i.r  unlawfully  rciill  u.,  you  know,  that  the 
wron"  will  then  bf  with  th<ni,  and  that  all,  whuh  wc  fliail 
do,  will  be  nothing   but  felf  dofenie  and  iht:  cvrcutlon  of 
the  law,  nor  do  we  wage  wai  but  wiih  mcu.     1  aniwer; 
that  this  is  too  hi^h,  too  luinie  and  too  fcrious  a  (ubjcit,  on 
which  for  any  one  to  refute  hiniftlf  or  to  be  readily  retufed 
by  others  freedom  of  fpcech.     I  prefume,  that  it  is  within    . 
the  lawful  liberty  of  an  l\nj;Hlhnian  to  demand,  ii  return, 
to  what  end  arc  th':n  intended  a  military  Governor,  a  licet, 
an  army,  ariilWry,  warlike  provifion  and  ammunition  and 
fuppliei  and  reinforcement,  of  thefe  things,  together  with 
ails  of  Parliament,  which,  it  was  known,  would  not  b-j 
obeyed?  Are  all  thell'  redcoats  and  regiments  noullercd 
there  only  to  aliiil  the  people  of  America  in  the  cleanng  of 
their  plantations,  the  reaping  of  th-.ir  harvelb,  or  thewatch- 
ing  of  their  tlocks  and  their  herds  ?  Should  any  one  Hart  at 
the  idea  of  Bolton  being  oveithrown,   what  w-uld  he  fay, 
were  he  in  plain  Enghlh  told,  that  there  is  no  appearance 
or  probability  of  carrying  into  execution  tome  certain  mea- 
fures,  without  cutting  the  throats  of  almolt  all  our  Ame- 
rica, with.ut  dying  its  foiells,  its  fwamp^  and  its  favan- 
nahs,  with  the  blood  of  thofe,  whole  ancellors  fled  trom 
their  country,  and  went  thither  in  hopes  of  finding  refuge 
from  the  tyranny  and  the  onpretTion  of  the  Governors  of 
Great  llritain?  What  does  it  matter,  who  dies  a   vidtiin; 
the  firll  or  the  lall,  and  whether  by  the  fword,  the  mufket 
undthc  bayonet,  or  by  famine,  tiiaiels  and  miiciy,  when 
n  v.'h'de  region   ilu'.ll   be  laid  wjIIc  and  depopulated  ?   Is  it 
difii-rult  to  pick  a  qaanel  on   any    lubj  ct.     r   to  drive  a 
i.eiiplc  into'dcfpair  and  then  to  detlroy  them  for  being  del- 
--erate,  or  are  there  wanting  writers  or  fpeakers  to  detend 
!ny  aMon  or  any  meafure?  But  will  the  glofling,  the  cjuib- 
bliiip,  th.'  llatteiy  ot  penlioners  or  ot  fycop  ants  heal  the 
wounds,  calm   the  minds,  appeaie   the   paliions,  reconcile 
the  iiril-tti  ns,  or  blind  and  contound  the  uoderftandings  ot 
rn  injired  and  exafpetated  continent,  conlilbng  of  many 
nuinep  us  and   .lourilhing   provinet*,  and  inhabite  d  by  a 
pcoile  po::v.!(d  and  inlpued  with  a  love  of  111),  rty  alnioft 
Lil  totiie  thamc-  cf  the  human  fp.-c.^,  o-it  ot  i.un.pc,  but 
mOil  pwcifil  v.i:d  iuelUliblc  wherever  i:  prevails  -nd  is 
'^  united 


3  ot  .  ny  luch 
^rcl^')r^  i  but 
II  b- v'in  liill, 
I'lw,  that  the 
lui.li  \vc  (hall 
e.xtcuti'!n  of 
1   aiilwerj 
a  fubjtit,  on 
.iiiily  rcfuffil 
t  it  is  within   • 
ml,  ii  rcturh, 
rnor,  a  fleet, 
munition  and 
together  with 
rvould  not   b-j 
cnts  mullt-Tcd 
le  clcuiing  of 
or  thewutch- 
iy  one  Hart  at 
vi.ulJ  he  My, 
0  appearance 
:  certain  mea- 
all  our  Anit- 
und  its  favan- 
ors  fled  fiom 
linding  refuge 
Governors  of 
ies  a   vidiin; 
d,  the  mufltet 
milcry,  when 
julated  ?   Is  it 
r   to  drive  a 
'or  bein;;  def- 
kors  to  defend 
ing,  the  quib- 
ant3  heal  the 
ons,  reconcile 
leiftandings  of 
llinp  of  many 
ihabite  d  by  a 
lib'/rty  alnioft 
it  l.urope,  but 
prevails   ind  is 
united 


uniti 
to  N 
man 
that 
Mat 
oftl 
oftl 
1 
agai 
fo  n 
mer 
hea 
thei 
und 
perl 
mei 
the; 
wit 
owi 
file: 
the! 
oft 
tisfi 
and 
6t'v 

IS  I! 

anc 
eve 
tor 
Th 
ten 
as ; 
to. 
cot 
he< 

hoi 

on 
a;t 
f.>c 
the 
111. 


I     9     ] 

united  with  the  means  of  defence  ?  I  do  not  mean  to  talk 
to  Minifters  and  to  btatefmen  about  right  and  wrong,  hu- 
man.ty,  compaff.on  and  the  cardinal  virtues ;  but  I  repeat 
that  Lhere  is  in  thefe  meafures  full  its  little  of  the  policy  of 
Machiavcl  as  of  the  morality  of  Grotius,  or  the  religi'-n 
of  the  Whole  Duty  of  Man;  not  a  whit  more  of  the  wildom 
of  the  ferpcnt  than  of  the  innocence  of  the  dove. 

The  (ei.fe  <  f  the  natioh  is  in  the  mean  time  moll  ftrong 
aeainft  thefe  tranfaftions ;  people  were  not  atthe  beKinning 
fo  much  moved ;  they  appear  not  to  have  believed,  that  any 
men  at  the  head  of  a  Hate  would  really  be  lo  wild  and  lo 
headlonjj,  as  to  bring   about   in  effect    what  now  flares 
them  moft  Ihongly  and  moll  fuliy  in  the  face;  it  is  well 
underllood  that  ihe  all  of  the  public  and  of  every  private 
perfon  is  upon  a  defperate  call,  at  (lake  againft  nothing  ; 
men  raife  their  eyes  and  their  hands  with  horror,  whun 
they  fpeak  on  the  occafion ;  they  fympathife  m  common 
with  the  Americans,  and  exprcfs  plainly  and  roundly  their 
owh  fentiments  on  their  account;  fuch  are  on  the  contrary 
filenl  »nd  refcrved  on  the  fubjeft.  who  are  ofed  to  direft 
their  difcourfe  by  meafi  motives ;  the  change  or  difchttrge 
of  thtfe  meafures  would  be  a  moil  fincere  and  HniVerfal  la- 
tisfaftion.     Shall  then  a  great  nation,  with  its  eyes  open 
and  fenfible  of  its  litaation  and  lis  danger,  be  drawn  or" 
driven  upon  its  ruin,  by  a  few  men  among  them,  and  thofc 
perhaps  mtrultcd  for  its  fafety  and  us  protection  ?  Where- 
IS  in  that  cafe  the  c.^nfticution,   or  what  is  our  pretended 
and  oar  boafted  repref  ntation  ?  Is  there  nothing,  nothing 
even  to  the  utmoft  extremity  of  our  dci'lrue>ian,  but   what 
torruption  can  compafs,   and  proftitution   will  perform  ? 
Thefe  proceedings  are  of  that  dangeioas  and  deftrudivc 
tendency,  that  whoever  pr^^m  .tcs  or  unites  in  them,  doc^; 
as  a  private  man,  light  a  brand  to  fire  h.s  own  houie,  and 
to  lay  wafte  his  own  cllate ;  but  as  one  of  the  public  he 
concurs  with  his  own  hand   to  thrull  a  da-gcr  into  the 
heart  of  his  already  wound-d,  hcli.lefs  and  almoft  expinnn 
eoantry.     It  may  be  wondered  how   any  fuch  perfo.i  c«ii 
hold  up  his  hand-  towards  heaven,  to  pray  f -r  profperity 
on  hinfof  his,  svhlch  he  does  himfelf  lo  dir  v:tly  cou.iter- 
a-t.   Can  then  My  na-.ion,  fsm  ut  for  us  free  lo.n,  want  .» 
r.ch  an  exireiauy  fome  proper  remedy  and  refi.uice  againll 
the  rage,  the  madneis,  o;  the  incapacity^  ot  an  adnuni- 

ftiatioii  ?  , 

B  i 


I     lo     ] 

i.  anfwer,  that  our  anceftors  were  far  from  being  fo  cirf- 
lefs  of  thofe  to  come  after  them,  as  to  have  left  us  in  con- 
cerns depending  on  our  own  domeftic  government  without 
means  very  fufiicienc  for  our  fafety  and  our  welfare.  I'hc 
people  of  Great-Britain  have  a  lawful,  conflitutional,  ac- 
knowledged, undifputed,  undoubted  power  of  application 
and  petition.  This  is  an  inherent  right  <  f  every  county, 
every  city,  every  borough,  every  body  of  men  in  it,  and 
which  any  one  may  be  confident,  that  no  King,  no  Mini- 
fter,  and,  let  me  add,  no  Parliament  will  refill  or  with- 
ftand;  if  the  exertion  of  it  ihall  be  general,  univerfal  and 
unanimous,  fuch  as  fhall  evidently  (peak  with  the  full  and 
the  clear  voice  of  the  whole  nation,  it  may  in  fuch  a  cafe 
be  depended  upon  for  fufficient  and  effeftual.  Never  did 
perhaps  any  period  of  our  hillory  more  require  fuch  an  ex- 
ertion than  the  prefent  nsoment.  I  will  not  repeat  what 
has  been  faid  with  refpedl  to  the  (lake,  either  of  the  public 
or  of  private  perfons;  but  even  the  Miniiler  muft,  in  all 
appearance,  be  in  his  own  breaft  pleafed  wiih  it.  It  might 
afford  him  a  fair  opportunity,  or  almoft  force  him,  to  with- 
draw his  foot  out  of  difficulties ;  in  which  he  cannot  but 
by  this  time  be  fenfible  how  rafhly  and  inconfiderately  he 
has  involved  both  himfelf  and  his  country.  What  unac- 
countable fatality  is  it,  which  can  prevent  any  one  at  the 
helm  of  a  nation  from  taking  of  his  own  accord  fo  prudent 
and  fo  faiutary  a  Hep.  But  this  matter  mounts  higher. 
The  King  is  bleffcd  with  a  fair  and  a  large  family,  from 
whom  even  a  private  parent  might  promife  himfelf  the 
greatell  comfort  and  felicity,  but  much  more  may  his  Ma- 
jeily,  if  they  near  him  (hall  by  their  fatal  and  unfortunate 
counfels  mingle  no  bitter  in  his  cup.  However  let  all  loyal 
fubjeifls  well  refiedl,  and  efpecially  they  firll  in  favour, 
whether  thefe  meafures  are  not  of  fuch  a  magnitude  and  a 
malignity,  that  they  may  either  immediately  or  in  their 
conlequences  throw  the  whole  Hate  into  the  laft  confufion, 
endanger  our  becoming  a  prey  to  foreign  powers,  fliake 
the  tlirone  itftlf,  and  didurb  one  day  the  peace  and  the 
Jiappinefs  of  our  gracious  Prince,  even  within  his  own  pa- 
late,  and  in  the  mid  (I  of  his  numerous  royal  progeny.  To 
whomloever  we  may  therefore  prefume  on  this  fubjed  to 
cfier  up  our  humble  petitions,  we  (hall  befcech  thofe  rc- 
fpeftahle  perfons  to  blefs  and  to  fttuxe  equally  both  the 
public  and  themfelves. 

It 


from  being  fd  cir"- 
have  left  us  in  con- 
jovernment  without 
1  our  welfare.  I'hc 
,  conAitutiona],  ac- 
lower  of  application 
ht  <  f  every  county, 
of  men  in  it,  and 
:  no  King,  no  Mini- 
will  refift  or  with- 
leral,  univerfal  and 
ik  with  the  full  and 
may  in  fuch  a  cafe 
IFeftual.  Never  did 
require  fuch  an  ex- 
vill  not  repeat  what 
cither  of  the  public 
^iniiler  muft,  in  all 
d  with  it.  It  might 
:  force  him,  to  with- 
lich  he  cannot  but 
d  inconfiderately  he 
intry.  What  unac- 
fent  any  one  at  the 
n  accord  fo  prudent 
ter  mounts  higher. 
i  large  family,  from 
)romife  himfelf  the 
i  more  may  his  Ma- 
lta! and  unfortunate 
lowever  let  all  loyal 
liey  firrt  in  favour, 
a  magnitude  and  a 
lediateiy  or  in  their 
o  the  laft  confufion, 
reign  powers,  fliake 
'  the  peace  and  the 
within  his  own  pa< 
royril  progeny.  To 
:  on  this  fubjed  to 
,11  befcech  thofe  rc- 
e  equally    both  the 

It 


C    II    ] 

It  fecms  the  more  neceffary  to  ufe  this  laft  fafe  refource 
of  the  conftiiution,  as  it  is  difiicult  to  hnd  any  other  help, 
that  is  left  for  us  under  heaven.     Our  political  parties  and 
their  leaders  bear  a  fufpicion  of  covering  and  concealing, 
under  pretences  of  thi  general    good  defigns  of  p*  fonal 
ambition  and  advancement.     The  people  of  England  have 
had  but  too  much  experience  in  that  refjjeft.     What  divi- 
fion,  what  connection,  what  derominatton  of  men  among 
us  have  not  in  their  turn  fpoiled  and  plundered  this  poor 
country  ?   Our  liberties  and  our  properties  were  before  the 
Revol  .tion  attacked,  under  ihepretenc*  of  prerogative,  by 
a  fet  cf  men  who  bore  the  name,  and  who  invented  or  ad- 
vanced the  doftrine  of  Tories  ;  but  the  virtue  of  our  an- 
celtors  faved  us  then.     Through  how  long  a  feries  of  fuc- 
ccinve  adminiftrations  has  fince  that  time  this  nation  been 
fold,  bartered  and  betrayed  by  a  race  of  falfe,  pretended, 
»in  worthy  and  venal  Whigs  ;  whofe  endeavours  towards  our 
deilrudion  have  unfortunately  been  more  fuccefsful  than 
thofe  of  their   predeceflbrs  i  God  forbid,  that  we  fliould 
now  be  ready  to  receive  our  fatal  and  our  final  ftroke  from 
the  joint  force  of  both  thefe  caufes,  from  the  accurled  prac- 
tice of  corruption,  united  with  the  fenfelefs  principles  of  a 
boundlefs  obedience  of  the  people,  and  of  an  extravagant 
power  of  the  crown !  Thefe  evils  do  not  perhaps  leaft  pre- 
vail in  the  very  places,  which  ought  moft  to  be  a  fanftuary 
and  a  fecurity  againft  them.     What  is  become  of  the  an- 
cient public  fpirit  of  England,  when  the  firft  in  rank  and 
in  fortune  were  ever  the  foremoft  to  proteft  the  rights  of 
the  whole  ?  It  is  for  the  honor  of  our  name  and  our  nation 
to  be  hoped,  that  this  noble  pafljon  of  the  human  brealt  is 
retired,  and  is  fetting  up  its  ilandard  among  our  country- 
men on  the  continent,  if  it  has  totally  fled  from  this  once 
free  and  fortunate  ifland.     It  muft  grieve  any  one  to  alk. 
Whether  there  are  none,  even  in  the  refpefted.  band  of  our 
profelfed  patriots,  who  had  it  once  in  their  power  to  have 
utterly  extinguifhed,  but  who  left  unhappily  and  purpofely 
to  lurk  and  to  fmother  in  their  proceedings  and  in  their 
own  a£ls  of  parliament  this  very  pretenfion,  and,  as  it  were, 
the  fame  fire,  which  has  fince  brok«n  out  fo  fiercely,  and 
which  threatens  now  to  confume  in  one  common  flame  both 
Britain  and  America  ?  However,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  thefe 
perfons  will,  from  fuch  violent  and  fuch  evident  mifchiefs, 
be  at  length  convinced,  nor  continue   backward  to  concur 
and  to  contribute  towards  fome  fufticient  meafures  for  the 

lafting 


m-' 


L      12     J 

laftinp  peace  and  relief  of  our  country  and  our  coionics. 
Kut  we  are  now  upon  the  brink  of  the  p  ccipice  ;  our  iitij- 
ation  admits  no  longer  of  our  being  led  blinafold  j  it  is 
too  late  tor  us  to  trult  either  to  thorough-paced  minifters  or 
to  ha!»- paced  patri  tj ;  the  time  requires  this  nation  to  de- 
clare its  (wn  genuine  (cnfe,  perhaps  its  laft  fenfe  of  iis 
condition  and  its  circumftances.  How  can  we  othervvile 
expcft  in  this  cafe  tne  affiflance  o(  providence  iifelt  than  in 
employing  the  powers,  which  his  goodi.eis  has,  by  the 
means  of  the  conftitution  and  the  provifion  of  our  arceftors, 
been  plcaied  to  lodge  with  us  for  that  apparent  purprfe  ? 

But  it  may  be  \m6,  have  not  we  a  legal  reprefentative, 
and  is  not  that  fufficient?  1  flialUeave  the  matter  of  faft  to 
:iniwcr  with  refpeft  to  the  iuflicien«y,_but  I  defire  to  lay 
fpmething  in  explanation  of  the  point  itielf.  I  hope  to  be 
pereftly  undcrltood,  that  I  do  n  t  at  all  mean  to  deny  our 
having  fuch  a  legal  reprefentative  ;  but  it  is  furely  juft  and 
beccniing  for  us  to  difcourfeon  fubjeds  of  this  confequence 
with  (  ne  another,  like  men.  1  prefume,  that  it  is  per- 
mitted for  any  one  to  alk,  whether  there  is  not  fomc  dif- 
tinftion  between  a  legal  reprefentative  and  a  real  one.  All 
bodies  of  men  fpeak  and  att  by  their  majority.  It  is  a 
handful  of  people  in  comparifon  of  the  whole  nation,  which 
chocle  the  major  part  of  our  Houfe  of  Commons.  1  may  iri 
faying  this  exprefs  myfelf  freely,  but  I  oiiend  no  worthy 
or  honeft  man.  No  fuch  will  ever  take  offence  at  a  noto- 
rious truth,  and  none  can  well  be  more  fo  than  the  faft, 
which  is  now  mentioned  .  How  can  then,  in  the  common 
ufb  and  fenfp  ot  the  Englifh  language,  any  body  of  men 
really  reprefent  any  others,  than  thofeby  whom  the  greater 
part  of  thein  are  named  and  appointed  for  that  purpofe? 
This  may  not  interfere  with  a  legal  reprefcntation,  nor  do 
I  declare  myfelf  any  opinion  about  a  real  one.  I  am  on  the 
fubjeft  ready  .to  receive  with  refpcft  the  diftates  of  my  bet- 
ters. It  may  perhaps  bea  myilcry  in  politics,  or  fomething 
not  at  this  moment  coropr.  hended  by  the  writer.  How- 
over  this  legal,  this  real  reprefentative,  or  in  what  manner 
iqever  that  honorable  body  is  tobe  defcribed,  they  do  ever 
fiiffrr  their  fellowrfubjefts  to  apply  to  them  by  petition, 
tlirougb  the  hands  of  any  one  of  their  own  members.  This 
fircumilancc  is  there  neceffary,  but  it  feems  to  make  no 
•.ffcftual  difference.  The  right  or  jpriftice  itfclf  has  never 
leen  denied  or  difputtd,  nor  therefore  has  it  ftood  in  need 
tf  lac  fandionof  an  at^l  of  parliament.  TJhe  road  is  yet 
■      ■  •  '  iTkCre 


and  our  co»onics. 
ccipice ;  dur  I'ltu^ 
1  blinefjld ;  it  is 
paced  mlnifters  or 

this  nation  tode- 
ts  lafl  fi-nfe  of  iis 
tan  we  othcrv^iie 
lence  iifelt  than  in 
di.eis  has,  by  the 
n  of  oararceilors, 
parent  purpcfc  ? 
gal  repiefentative, 
le  matter  of  faft  to 
)Ut  I  deiire  to  iay 
lelf.  I  hope  to  be 
mean  to  deny  our 
t  is  furely  juil  and 
f  this  confequence 
me,  that  it  is  per- 
e  is  not  fome  dif- 
id  a  real  one.  All 
majority.  It  is  a 
hole  nation,  which 
ntmops.  1  may  iri 
[  oiiend  no  worthy 
often  ce  at  a  noto- 

fo  than  the  i&&, 
n,  in  the  common 

any  body  of  men 
f  whom  the  greater 
for  that  purpofe  ? 
-efcntation,  nor  do 

one.  I  am  on  the 
diftates  of  nny  bet- 
litics,  or  fomething 
the  writer.  How- 
or  in  what  manner 
ribed,  they  do  ever 
them  by  petition, 
in  members.  This 
feems  to  make  no 
ce  itfclf  has  never 
as  it  i\ood  in  need 

TJhe  road  is   yet 
iTkCie 


[  13  1 
s-.iore  direa  to  the  throne;  the  fubjeft  prefents  of  himfelf, 
and  without  intervention,  his  petition  there.  This  right 
was  at  the  Revolution  confirmed  in  as  fit  terms  as  the  trueft 
frind  of  the  freedom  of  his  country  could  have  found. 
Thcr«  are  therefore  required  no  firings  or  belt*  to  dear  either 
of  thefe  ways ;  they  remain  ever  plain  and  open,  jind  lead 
iinmediately  to  thofe  who  can  afford  us  effeaual  rcdrefs  and 
aflillance.  Thus  Hands  then  this  point :  Our  throne  is  he- 
reditary, our  peerage  is  hereditary,  the  major  part  of  our 
Houfe  of  Commons  is  appointed  by  an  inconliderabe  pro- 
portion of  the  nation  ;  can  then  many  words  be  wanted  to 
J-ecommend  or  to  enforce  the  praftice  of  petition  by  the 
people  and  the  public,  or  is  the  community  to  have  no  Ihare 
in  Its  own  coftitution,  in  its  legidaturc,  its  government, 
and  the  determination  of  its  moft  important  and  moft  ef- 
wntial  concerns  ? 

However,  as  we  have  in  oi^r  hands  proper,  prudent, 
and  peaceable  means  of  Hopping  or  of  diverting  thefe  mca- 
lures,  fo  let  us  on  the  other  fide  confider;  whether  we  Aall 
not  by  a  negleftof  them  become  partakers  in  the  guilt  of 
Jhe  wrongs  done  to  the  Americans,  and  of  the  ruin  hroueht 
on  ourfelves  and  our  pofterity.  All  people  are  refponfitle 
for  the  public  conduft  of  thofe,  whom  they  appoint  or  con- 
fent  to  be  over  them  ;  this  is  the  law  of  men  and  of  na- 
tions, but  It  is  likewife  that  of  a  higher  power ;  it  is  the 
law  of  nature.  I  obfervc  with  reverence,  that  providence 
feems  to  unite  together  the  interelts  and  concerns,  the  fate 
and  fortunes  of  each  ftate  and  of  each  kingdom,  and  to  de- 
mand at  their  hands  an  account  of  the  adions  of  their  re- 
fpeftive  rulers,  whether  princes,  miniflers,  or  any  other  - 
their  profperity  and  their  adverfity  appear  to  be  in  a  great 
decree  dealt  out  to  them  according  to  that  circumftai>ce. 
It  :s  ftrange,  on  what  ground  feme  people  found  their  pre- 
fumption ;  for  the  public  does  not  only  appoint  govern, 
ment  in  its  firft  original  ^  but  it  is  moll  evident,  that  it 
does  afterwards  continue  at  all  times  to  anfwer  for  the  con- 
dua  and  the  meafures  of  its  governors  both  to  God  and 
fo  man.  But  with  refpeft  to  our  own  cafe  in  the  prefejit 
mftance,  can  there  be  in  the  affairs  of  humanity  a  fairer  or 
a  more  equitable  condition  than  for  people  to  have  in  their 
own  power  the  means  of  removing  theif  danger,  andof  fe- 
curing their  liability?  flowever  it  behoves  us  to  remember 
on  what  terms  we  enjoy  it.  The  Americ^as  may  one  day 
require  at  our  hands,  and  retaliate  upon- us  their  own  fuf- 

feringsi 


! 


f     M     J 

feritv^^and  moft  certainly  will  do  fo,  if  we  fnall  not  exeit 
to  cfted  th'.fc  means  inherent  in  us,  but  that  the  ihingj 
and  the  events  alr'-ady  begun  and  in  motion  (hall  como  to 
extremity.  The  {lory  of  the  war  carried  on  by  the  Dutch 
in  lupport  of  their  liberty,  againft  the  Portuguelc  and  the 
Spaniards,  will  fufficiently  teach  us  this ;  if  we  need  to  go 
beyond  our  own  rcafon  for  fuch  a  piece  of  inllrudtion.  We 
have  in  ourfelvcs,  and  placed  in  our  hands,  the  power  on 
this  occafion  of  inluring  our  own  fafety,  and  of  reiloring 
to  our  colonies  and  our  countrymen  of  America  their  righ'.s, 
their  peace,  their  properties,  and  their  liberties,  a  molt  noble 
and  incftimab'e  privilege,  but  in  all  appearance  n  t  cn- 
truiled  to  us  without  account. 

It  may  however  be  aCced,  what  way  is  then  to  be  taken, 
what  clue  can  be  found,  that  may  lead  us  out  of  our  pre- 
sent perplexity  and  difficulties?  I  aniwer,  that  it  is  much 
morecalyto  embroil  a  ilate,  which  is  in  peace  and  in  tran- 
quillity, than  it  is  to  reduce  ir  again  tj  the  lame  defirablc 
fituation,  when  it  fliall  once  be  fo  embroiled.     However  I 
will  in  fo  important  a  matter  venture  to  hazard  an  opinion, 
although  with  fome  uncertainty  of  the  future  fadl  whereon 
it  is  grounded.     There  is  faid  to  be  fitting,  at  Phila-ielpnia, 
a  Congrefs  of  fome  of  the  moll  refpedtable  perfons  ot  that 
continent.     It  appears  probable,  that  there  niav  from  them 
come  in  fome  (hape  or  another  propolitions  tq  the  public  or 
to  the  government.     Should  that   be  fo,    let  not  thefe  be 
out  of  an  ill-judged  pride  or  idea  of  fuperiprity  dcfpifed 
and  refufed,  but  on    the  contrary   adopted  and  made  the 
ground  and  the  foundation  of  a  future  lettl^ment  and  ella- 
blifliment  between  ns  and  America  :  I  won't  prevaricate  or 
deny  that,  I  mean  in  fome  meafure  a  new  <  ne ;  for  of  re- 
turning again  cxaftly  and  precifcly  to  the  former  and  an- 
cient one  ,'^  there  is  n  t  the  leall  appearance  of  probability; 
although  there  (hall  in  the  way  be  nothing  more  than  what 
is  known  to  have  already    happened.     They  have  once 
trulted  to  our  experience  and  our  prudence  ;   however  they 
have  found  the'.e  but  a  weak  and  alleuder  fecurity.      They 
will  undoubtedly  expe>5t  fome  llronger  and  better    barrier, 
fome  line  to  be  drawn,  or  fome  land-mark  to  be  fixed,  in  hi- 
turity  between  us.     I  fpeak  it  with   the  utmoll  fincerity ; 
that  I  verily  believe  them  to  underltand  the  joint  interefts  of 
Great-Britain  and  of  America  better  than  we  do,  and  that 
they  will  in  the  firil  indance  prcipofe  nothing   unlit   or  un- 
becoming with  icfpeft  to  this  country  ;  but  Ihuuld  we  n.e- 

gledl 


ill  not  exert 
the  ihingj 
ill  come  to 
the  Dutclj 
leic  and  the 
need  to  go 
lition.  We 
ic  power  on 
of  redoring 
their  righ'.s, 
a  moll  noble 
nee   n  t  cn- 

to  be  taken, 
c  of  our  pre- 
c  it  is  mucK 
and  in  tran- 
me  defirablc 
However  I 

an  opinion, 
fadl  whereon 
'hila-ielpnia, 
fons  of  that 
V  from  them 
he  public  or 

not  thefe  be 
)rity  dcfpifed 
nd  m<idc  the 
ent  and  efta- 
revaricate  or 
! ;  for  of  re- 
tier  and  an- 

probability ; 
ire  than  what 
y  have  once 
lowever  thiy 
irity.  They 
itter  barrier, 
e  fixed,  in  fu- 
lOll  finceriiy; 
int  interefts  of 
;  do,  and  that 

unlit   or  un- 

(hould  we  ne- 

gWl 


L    '5    ] 

Klea  or  reject  proper  terms,  when  thev  are  offered,  we  may 
perhap,  aficrwards  not  come  readily'  to  the  fame  again. 
(Ju  Charles  the  firll  granted  ten  tinies  more  at  laft,  than 
would  have  contented  and  have  fatisfied  at  firft;  but  he 
ever  (uffLTed  himfeif  to  be  forced;  that  was  his  evil  policy 
and  evil  fortune.  None  thanked  him  for  what  he  did. 
H;  loll  at  Icnoth  all,  his  head  not  excepted.  Do  nH  let 
ourllati-or  our  government  imitate  in  t  eir  conduft  that 
u.ir>.rtuna:e  pnnco.  There  may  diredly  be  for  a  kingdom 
noblockorkaliold;  but  there  are  juft  and  equal  laws 
and  a  levcreaiid  irrtfilliBIe  fatality  attending  upon  thetranf* 
grcii-.on  oi  them.  What  i=  in  the  general  courfe  of  an  in- 
finite univerk-,  perpetually  proceeding.in  obedience  to  thofe 
laws,  the  exulence,  the  liie.  or  the  fall  of  a  (late,  any  more 
upon  the  comparifon  than  that  of  a  fingle  perfon?  Thefe 
are  not  light  and  trilling  matters,  which  are  now  in  ope- 
ration, a  midfummtr  night's  dream,  or  the  florv  of  a  day  • 
with  which  ue  may  divert  ourfelves  at  our  wi'll.  It  may 
be  depended  upon ;  that  it  is  for  ever,  if  thefe  provinces 
Ihall  once  be  levered  from  us.  The  command  and  the  go- 
vernmtnt  of  great  countries  are  not  to  be  taken  up  again 
at  pleafurc,  wht-n  they  lliall  have  fallen  from  the  hand  that 
holds  them,  like  the  playthings  of  children. 

But  it  may  be  obferved  to  have  been  thrown  out,  that 
Trance  and  Spain  would  interfere;  whereas  nothing  of 
that  kind  has  happened,  nor  are  we  difturbed  by  either  of 
them.  lanfwer,  that  their  minillcrs  of  Hate  muft  other- 
wife  have  been  much  as  thoughtlefs  and  as  inconfiderate 
as  our  own.  It  is  lit,  that  the  fiHi  Ihould  faften  on  the 
hook  or  be  entangled  in  the  net,  beyond  the  power  of  get- 
ting fiec,  before  the  hand  appears  which  is  to  ftrike  or  to 
make  a  prey  of  ir.  He  is  furely  but  a  poor  politician,  who 
can  be  laid  alltep  by  tlioll;  two  cabinets,  being  more  cunning 
than  to  Hay  or  to  turn  us  in  the  beginning  of  a  career^ 
which  muft  be  fo  much  to  their  latisfadlion  and  their  incli- 
nation.  It  is  an  old  proverb,  that  any  one  (hould  make  a 
bridge  of  gold  for  his  enemy  when  he  is  flying  from  him 
Is  It  to  be  doubted,  but  that  thefe  powers  wouid  willingly 
pave,  almoft  with  any  materials  and  at  anv  expence,  a  way 
for  us  to  m.'.rch  and  to  attack  our  own  provinces  ;  thofe 
provinces  which  have  fo  long  been  the-fupport  of  ourfelves 
and  the  envy  of  other  nations.  It  has  been  Jaid,  that  thev 
have  bef.re  now  fouRd  the  means  of  paving  the  way  to  their 
own  peace  with  us ;  bat  heaven  forbid  that  they  IJiouW  ever 

hnd 


^* 


[    >6    1 

Rni  that  of  putting  us  at  daggers-draw  among  ourfelvcj, 
of  eneaging  in  a  war  with  One  another  the  mother  country 
and  our  colonies  of  North-America!  Whenever  that  lU- 
ilarred  hour  (hall  arrive,  and  by  whofe  folly  or  "tifice  fo- 
ever  brought  about,  the  arms  of  our  rivals  will  hardly  he 
wanted  to  lay  the  glory  and  the  greatnefs  of  Bntam  in  the 
^uft.  France  and  Spain  laugh  and  fine  in  the  rnean  time 
to  fee  what  we  are  doing,  and  it  may  be  depended  upon, 
that  they  know  better  than  to  meddle  at  this  moment  in 

""There  is  another  point,  to  which  I  would  fpeak  a  worH. 
before  I  have  done.     Some  fycophatits  and  makers  of  mil- 
chief  on  the  other  fide  of  the  Atlantic  fecm  to  have  had  no 
fmall  part  in  caufing  the  prefcnt  difturbances.     Whv  (hould 
otherwife  all  thefe  have  rather  arifen  in   Maffachufetts-Bay 
than  in  Conneaicut  or  in  Rhode-Ifland;  except  that  we 
appoint  the  Governors  in  the  former,  and  that  the  people 
themfeWes  do  fo  in  the  latter.     The  counfels  of  thefe  mCn 
muft,  upon  experience,  hav4  been  found  wrong  and  mil- 
taken.     They  magnified  the  mighty  power  of  parliaments, 
and  appear  to  have  flr.ttered  fome  people  here,  as  if  their 
finger  was  irrefiftible      Had  they  pointed  out  events,  as 
they  hate  really  happ.  ned  ;  it  is  impoflible  that  we  (hould 
have  condufted  ourlclves  as  we  have  adually  done.     All 
this  may  clearly  be  accounted  for,  if  we  fuppofeone  prin- 
ciple, which  is  that  they  meant  to  advance  themfelves  m 
Great-Britain,  however  their  endeavours  might  turn  out 
cither  for  us  or  for  America,     it  would  be  a  muft  ftrange 
thing,  IhcMld  th-lb  fame  perfons  be  ftill  confulted,  coun- 
tenaficed  and  encouraged.     We  ought  to  be  fenfible  how 
dearly  we  have  already  paid  on  tnat  article.     The  writer 
does  not  know  the  tace  of  one  of  them  ;  I  ipeak  fingly  tor 
the  fake  of  the  public ;  but  there  can  in  all  appeara  cc  no 
common  good  come  to  the  two  countries  of  Great -Britain 
and  of  North  America,  until  that  thefe  fatal  authors  of 
«ur  mutual  evils  Ihall  be  banilhed  from  Jl  counlels  and 

cooiidence.  , .  /• 

;>o  much  for  my  prefent  objeft.  I  have  on  this  occafion 
»ot  entered  into  the  dilHculty,  cr  rather  the  i,pparent  im- 
puHibllity,  of  fubduingwith  a  few  thoufands  of  foldiers 
from  England  a  very  great  continent,  moft  ftrong  in  itlelf, 
and  defended  by  fome  hundreds  of  thoufand*  oJ  Us  inhabi- 
unts  naturally  placed  over  the  difterent  parts,  and  com- 
manding all  liic  produce  and  the  advantages  of  the  country. 


\g  ourfelvcj, 
)thcr  country 
lever  that  ill- 
ir  artifice  fo- 
m11  hardly  he 
Britain  in  the 
ic  mean  time 
}ended  upon, 
t  moment  in 

■peak  a  word, 
alters  of  mif- 
I  have  had  no 

Whv  (hould 
'achufetts-Bay 
tcept  that  we 
at  the  people 
I  of  thefe  men 
ong  and  mif- 
F  parliaments, 
re,  as  if  their 
}ut  events,  as 
hat  we  Should 
y  done.  All 
pofe  one  prin- 
themfelves  itt 
ight  turn  out 
a  ntuft  Ihange 
ifulted,  coun- 

fenlible  how 
.  The  writer 
eak  fingly  for 
appeara  ce  no 
Cireat -Britain 
:al  authors  of 
1  counlels  and 

1  this  occaiion 
apparent  im- 
nds  of  foldiers 
hong  in  itfelf, 
s  oi  its  inhabi- 
rts,  and  com- 
of  the  country, 
and 


1 


I    '7    1 

an<i  who  arc  arm:d,  trained  and  ready  to  take  the  field  in 
defence  of  what  they  believe  to  be  their  all ;  men  of  tried   ' 
bravery,  and  that  have  upon  experience  perfDrmeJ  many 
ailions  of  remark.     1  have  not  infilled  on  the  abColute  cer- 
tainty of  their  finding,  in  cafe  of  a  Uirefl  rupture  and  revolt 
from  Great-Britain,  foreign  afiillance.     I  have  not   men- 
tioned our  miniftcrs  having  wantonly,  and  in  all  appear-    . 
anc?  out  of  perfonal  ambition,  taken  upon  th^mfelves  iTie 
nffairJ  of  our  Eall-India  Company,  and   having  by   that 
means  fabjedlcd  on  any  contention  with  the  native  powcri 
of  thofe  regions,  the  nation  to  iKe  danger  ot  being  one  day 
found  between  the  two  firciof  the  Weft-Indies  and  the  Fall, 
and  perhaps  at  the  fame  time  a  fire  in  Europe  hotter  than 
cither  of  tne  others,     I  have  not  examined  tne  burthen  of 
our  national  debtprefling  in  the  midll  of  thefe  circumrtances 
n»oft  heavily  upon  us.    1  have  not  to'uchcd  on  very  many 
other  topicks  refpedUng  our  prefcnt  ill-judged  and   ill- 
omened  attempt ;  thefe  were  ot  a  preceding  fubj. -ft.     This 
•natter  has  now  been  only  taken  up  on  the   ground  whore 
it  was  left  upon  a  former  argument,  and  upon  oUr  ineafures 
and  the  change  and  the  thte  of  affairs  in  America  fiiicc  that 
time  ;  here  will  1  like  wife  leave  it  once  moro. 

It  is  not  owing  to  a  want  of  information,  to  a  want  ofun- 
der;bnding,  to  a  want  of  a  fenfe  and  a  knowledge  of  the 
iraportanceor  the  imprudence  of  our  American  msafures, 
ifiijme  people  of  property,  of  capacity,  of  independence 
feem  to  Uecp  fupinely,  while  a  rock  is  ready  to  fall  and  tc> 
crulh  their  country.  There  is  in  public  concerns  an  ab- 
jcftnefs,  which  obtains  and  daily  increafes  among  us,  and 
that  in  a  rank  of  men  where  it  ought  leall  to  prevail, 
and  to  whom  others  are  intitled  to  lojk  up  in  a  time  oF 
danger  or  of  difficulty.  The  rife  and  the  b:ginning  of  thl^ 
might  readily  be  pointed  out,  it  was  not  firll  in  this 
reign  ;  but  thefe  men  may  truly  be  told,  that  th.'re  is  ni 
fupport  for  themfelvcs,  but  in  the  ftability  of  all ;  that  their 
private  fortune  and  poAe(fi3ns  will  in  the  common  deftruc- 
tion  mod  inevitably  go  to  wreck  and  to  ruin  with  the  reft  ; 
the  cloud  from  the  Atlantic  threatens  them,  as  well  aa  th- 
meixhant  and  the  manufafturer,  the  farmer  and  the  labourer. 
Bat  we  feem  not  to  remember,  that  we  are  born  Britons  ; 
that  jjovernments  are  inftit(jtedfor  the  good  of  the  governed, 
and  tor  that  only  ;  that  we  have  in  oQr  immediate,  jperfo- 
nal  and  c  jlle£tivo  capacity  an  inherent  right  to  fignify  oar 
r.intini^nnof  the  national  meafures  to  thofe  who  contrive, 
g3v;rii  and  direft  th;m  :  that  the  concern  therein  of  many 

C 


1} 


,-*'!      ..'"'^ 


[    i8    I 

it  tpon  the  compnrifon  much  a-,  confidcrable  one  Cir  one  a^ 
iheirown,  but  that  of  all  united  and  taken  together  aimol* 
as  the  ocean  to  a  ('rop  of  water ;  thiit  we  are  men  and  not  ;i 
flock  of  Ihccp  for.  -h    fohowour  fellow,  becaufe  he  hap- 
pens to  bear  r  V    1  iiiour  hu  neck.     The  writer  hat  thrown 
out  thcfr  'hu  t,«  iV'.in  a  i  i  cere  and  earnell  defire  of  the  ge- 
neral fai       in  '  vellan  ;  he  heartily  hopei  that  the  feed  h 
fown  in   ■  0''       ound,  and  that  it  will  bear  fruit  for  the 
bfiufit  ot  the  .  iiole;  but  if,  after  all,  the  hand  of  fate  u 
v.^uu   his  nation  ,  if  the  period  approaches  in  which  we  arc 
dOvnjcd  to  perilh  ;  if  there  ii  at  once  an  incurable  madnefs 
\n   our  coim'-ilj,  and  a  boundlefs  obfequioufncfi  |n  our 
proper  guardians  and  proteftors ;  if  the  conftitution  is  for- 
gotten, and  men  of  weight  and  of  refpea  abandon  their 
country  5  I  niuft  fay,  that  his  will  be  done,  who  governs 
both  individuals  and  communities.     I  truft  neverihelefi, 
th.1t  thefe  words  will  not  be  fo  loft,  but  that  they  fhall  at 
leaft  preferve  one  private  perfon  from  the  charce  and  the 
confcioufnefs  of  havine  fcrupled  to  fpeak  plainly  his  opi- 
nion, and  his  expeftation  of  the  dangers  and  the  evils  im- 
pending over  the  public. 

Nsv.  1775. 


£W  0/  tbt  APPJLNDIX. 


"i' 


p.  S.  During  the  printing  of  thefe  fheets,  authentic  ac- 
counts are  come  of  refolutions,  refpefting  a  fufpenfion  of 
commerce  between  America  a  d  Great-Britain  being  e-a- 
tercd  into,  and  recommended  ;,y  the  Congrefs  held  at  1  hi- 
lad«  lphi:i.  This  is  another  material  circumftance  and  con- 
•-  '  ratioii,  pointed  out  and  preffed  in  the  foregoing  boojc. 
1  mean  now  to  make  no  reflei\ions  on  the  fubjedt ;  time 
will  tell,  whether  the  confequences  (hall  alfo  be  fuch  as 
are  there  fuppofed  or  conceived.  There  is  another  vote  ot 
the  fame  meeting,  which  is  both  fo  very  plain  and  fo  very 
important,  that  I  cannot  omit  to  repeat  it  in  its  own  worai,, 
which  are  "That  the  Congrefc  approve  of  the  oppolition 
."  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Maflach  uietw-Bay,  to  the  execu- 


able  out  fiir  one  »s 
;en  together  aimolt 


;  nrenicn  and  not  a 
,  becaufc  he  hap- 
!  writer  hni  throw  n 
ell  defire  of  the  ge- 
pci  that  the  feed  is 

bear  fruit  for  the 
the  hand  of  fate  is 
\\e»  in  which  we  are 

incurable  madnefs 
fequioufncfi  in  our 
:  conftitution  is  for- 
fpea  abandon  their 
done,  who  goverm 
[  truft  neverihelefi, 
at  that  they  ihall  at 
the  charge  and  the 
:ak  plainly  his  opi- 
:rs  and  the  cv.ih  im- 


DIX. 


fliceti,  authentic  ac- 
ting a  fufpenfjon  of 
Rt-Britain  being  tn- 
:ongrefs  held  at  Phi- 
ircumftance  and  con- 
the  foregoing  book, 
n  the  fubjedt;  time 
.all  alfo  be  fuch  as 
;re  is  another  vote  oi 
'ery  plain  andfo  very 
,t  it  in  its  own  words, 
•ova  of  the  oppoiition 
tW-Bay,W  the  execu- 
tion 


t   '9  1 

'•  tlon  of  the  late  *f^ '  of  parliament,  and  if  the  fame  ftiouW 
"  be  attfcBiptcd  to  be  carticd  into  cwcution  by  fwcv.  nil 
••  America  ought  in  futh  a  cafe  to   fupport  <iu  ilitir 

••  oppofitior.  '^   This  neither  needs  nor    •♦luui  any 

comment;  but  how  a -.ply  does  it  fulfil  wjtet  «re  %,  re  on 
that  head  forewarncu  :  However,  let  us  at  lewi:  not  nc|  ut 
the  caution  whith  u  contaui.,  for  the  time  to  e^uc.     I    u 
Jikewife  almoll  imposribk   for  an  Engldhmaii  r  <it  to  «-   « 
ferve,  with  the  moll  fincere  regret,  ihjit  the  fitu  piocted 
ingsof  anew  and  an  elTential  affembJy  amon^    «irlelve 
have  been  fuch,  as  mull  by  all  men  in  oui   \mcta    be  ua- 
derllood  to  approve  and   to  maintain,  in    tl.e   higl     '   an* 
the  harlhell  of  la  '\>uige.   the  meaiures  carrying  on  ig-v,  •« 
them.     Itbecom  "tlu  wriier  to  receive  with  ic;,Ji.>tt  t!"  -s 
refolves  of  our    '•-'ilkture  t   however  I  Hi^l'..  ui 
thereto,  defirc  oi    c  mo.e  every    pcrfon   having  i 
country  any  cuiu   rn,  moil  fcrioufly  to  confidcr,  vv 
humble,  confUtuu  nal,  general  and  univeifa!  pctiu<.         <^ 
rot  our  lall  and  ou;  >irilv  remaining,  altt^.utK  at  tl 
time  our  fare  and    ur  certain  refource,  if  tiwy  Ihaii  «k  " 
4nd  properly  be  emp  )yed  and  applied. 


THE     END. 


w.^ 


